The Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Roberta Bonoff with its Lifetime Achievement award in the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“Roberta has been and continues to be an outstanding leader and advocate for Minnesota’s retail community,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “Coupled with years and years as a successful retail entrepreneur, Roberta is one of the first retailers to raise her hand to volunteer to help someone else out. From sharing her experiences, to helping others along their path, Roberta is regarded as one of Minnesota most creative and innovative retailers. It’s with great admiration for Roberta that we present her with our Lifetime Outstanding Achievement award.”

"Being a retail entrepreneur made me realize the importance of getting your unique story out to your community,” says Roberta Bonoff. “During my time as CEO of Creative KidStuff, my company gained national recognition by trying new things. I understand what it is like to start something from the ground up and watch it grow. And I appreciate the opportunity to help others do it as well.”

Roberta Bonoff will accept the award virtually as well as speak about her lessons learned from being a retail entrepreneur during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas.

Roberta Bonoff is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Lifetime Achievement award. Nine other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Retail Manager of the Year, Business Resource of the Year, Retail Innovation, Vendor Partner of the Year, Customer Experience, Best Place to Work, Retail Community of the Year, Advocate of the Year, and Retailer of the Year.

Retail Rally event information can be found at www.retailrally.com.

After reviewing dozens of applications from across the state, the Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to award Schuler Shoes its Retailer of the Year award in the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“Schuler Shoes is one of those retailers you take for granted that they will always be there, because they always have,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “The rich family tradition of Schuler is evident in everything from the way the store is laid out to the people who work there. Schuler is truly one of those ten or so retailers that are the strong, steadfast underpinning of Minnesota’s retail community. While their history is rooted in family, their success and future rests on their unmatched service and dedication to customers. We are honored to recognize Schuler Shoes as our Retailer of the Year.”

“Schuler Shoes’ first store was in 1889 and we are now a fourth-generation owned business,” says Mike Schuler, one of Schuler Shoes family owners. “Our employees and staff are amazing and thrive in our teamwork environment focused on meeting each customer’s need while honoring our deep legacy as a retailer. Over the years we have grown alongside communities in Minnesota. Our company is our family legacy. We are so pleased to be recognized as the Retailer of the Year.”

Mike, a representative from Schuler Shoes, will accept the award virutally during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas.

Schuler Shoes is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Retailer of the Year award. Nine other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Lifetime Achievement, Business Resource of the Year, Retail Manager of the Year, Vendor Partner of the Year, Customer Experience, Best Place to Work, Retail Community of the Year, Advocate of the Year, and Retail Innovation.

Retail Rally event information can be found at www.retailrally.com.

After reviewing dozens of applications from across the state, the Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Fitger’s on the Lake with its Best Place To Work award in the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“In an industry where there can be high employee turnover, Fitger’s has figured something out and shines as an organization that invests in its employees and understands how to keep and grow employees based on their passions and aspirations,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “It’s clear Scott and the team at Fitger’s have a successful, family-centered environment where innovation and new ideas keep guests coming back. There is truly nothing usual about Fitger’s as a retail destination and its dedicated not only to customers, but to workers and partners. We are so pleased to recognize Fitger’s as a Best Place To Work.”

“We are honored to be selected as a 2020 Minnesota Retail Champion Awards Winner in the category of best place to work,” says Scott Vesterstein, president and owner of Fitger’s on the Lake. “We have co-workers who have been here for many years and that is what makes Fitger’s successful. They work hard and always have a positive attitude. I greatly appreciate all of them. I enjoy owning a business that provides a work environment where everyone feels included and valued.”

A representative of Fitger’s on the Lake will accept the award virutally during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas.

Fitger’s on the Lake is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Best Place To Work award. Nine other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Retail Manager of the Year, Business Resource of the Year, Retail Innovation, Vendor Partner of the Year, Customer Experience, Lifetime Achievement, Retail Community of the Year, Advocate of the Year, and Retailer of the Year.

Retail Rally event information can be found at www.retailrally.com.